Spending time with your little one is the best part of being a parent but unfortunately, we can’t always be there to watch our kids. When looking for someone else to take care of them, you want someone you can trust and the number of options can be daunting. However, by carefully weighing your needs and the needs of your child against the factors that affect your decision, you will likely be able to make an informed choice.
You’ve probably considered a daycare, nanny, or maybe a family member but which option is best for your family?
What to Consider in Your Search for Childcare
Cost: It’s likely that the number one consideration when seeking the best childcare option for you family is also based on your finances. There is no getting around the fact that childcare is excessively (even prohibitively) expensive. Studies show that while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services quotes a healthy cost for childcare to represent 10% of the income of a family, the average cost can be significantly higher.
In places where childcare is the most expensive, like Washington D.C. for example, care can cost an average of $3,000 a month and families spend more to the tune of 25% of their annual salary. Making a budget is crucial. As you begin to plan financially for childcare, make sure you take into account your eligibility for tax credits. While the Child Dependent Tax Credit will not cover all of your expenses, it may allow you to find a more desirable option within your means.
Schedules: If you need someone to watch your child at regular times everyday while you are at work, a daycare may be a less expensive and more clear cut option for you. If, on the other hand, your work schedule tends to be a bit more flexible, or if you only need a couple of hours a day covered, you may want to lean further toward a nanny situation.
Environment: You know your child best and understand if they will thrive in a social atmosphere or if they will feel overwhelmed. This may play into your decision. Take into account the environment you want your child to grow up in and determine your ideal scenario.
To help you compare each of your childcare options, use a checklist to aid in your search and be on the lookout for all of your necessities (and red flags).
The Pros and Cons of Daycare:
If you’re considering daycare there are positives and negatives you’ll want to run through.
Benefits of Daycare:
Costs are generally less than what a nanny would charge.
Daycare encourages socialization with other children which is important for development.
Curated activities are generally part of a daycare situation including educational toys, games and field trips.
Government accreditation can be a good indication of a daycare that is well managed and has to conform to cleanliness, class sizes and general safety standards.
A number of teachers mean that if a staff member gets ill you can still receive care, also it’s likely that staff members have training in child development.
Daycare may have many reviews that give you a sense of ease that it is reliable.
Some Disadvantages of Daycare:
There are more germs to be exposed to, meaning the cycle of sickness comes earlier and can infest the whole household.
Daycares usually have strict hours and therefore if your job is less predictable, you may have difficulty with timing.
The greater the number of children at daycare the less individualized attention your child may have. This means that more accidents are possible and it can be more stressful for your child.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Nanny:
While daycare has certain conveniences that make it favorable, sometimes a nanny makes more sense. That said there are negative aspects to nanny care as well.
Benefits of a Nanny Include:
Personal individualized care for your child which leads to an improved sense of attachment for your child to the caregiver.
Staying in a familiar environment where you can control safety, food access, and other aspects of your child’s care.
Flexibility that might allow you to have a more erratic schedule or be able to use the same person when you need an evening off as well.
Some Disadvantages of Having a Nanny:
If your nanny is ill it’s likely that you’ll need to call a backup option or stay home.
Recommendations may be fewer than with daycares as even an experienced nanny may have only worked with one or two families.
Nanny care can be costly.
Having to manage an employee can be a little trying, including keeping up with payments, sick time and vacation days.
Ultimately, you have to balance your options and see what makes the most sense with your budget and what your childcare needs represent. This checklist plus asking around, doing your research will help provide all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
I declared my dream of being a mom at the age of five years old on my kindergarten graduation day when answering the age-old question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Many years later, it still seems like the best job in the world.
Whether you are an experienced parent or a new one, everyone can use positive parenting tips. By following these 10 positive parenting tips, you can build a strong and healthy relationship with your child.
1. Do not scold your children in front of others: Do not shout at your children or scold them in front of others. It will discourage them. Try to make them understand by listening to them properly. Speak calmly and tell your children what they should do. Deal with the behavior and not the child. Make them hear your words instead of your loud voice. Cuddle them often is one of the best positive parenting tips.
2. Do not force or pressure your children: Let your children be the way they want to be but guide them from a distance. Help them by telling them the pros and cons of the decisions they are taking. If they are taking up any hobby or sport of their choice, let them pick and ensure, they do it in the right way.
3. Maintain a balance between work and play: It is rightly said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Help your children to develop a healthy mind and body. Provide a good balance of work and play by working out the timetable with your children. Set priorities together according to the capabilities and interest of your children. This will keep them happy and encourage them to work harder.
4. Do not lie or make fake promises: It is important to build trust with your children. Either keep your promises or never make fake promises (one of the most important positive parenting tips), which you know you won’t be able to fulfill. Instead, tell them that you will try but not sure if it will be done. At least it will not break your child’s heart.
5. Make clear rules and give positive instructions: Rules should be clear and fair, easy to understand. You should tell children what to do instead of what not to do. Instead of saying “Do not shout” tell them “Speak in a quiet voice.” Positive instructions will have a better impact on your child will they understand what they should do better.
6. Spend time with your children: Try to get involved in their activities. Have fun with your children. Playing with them is one of the best ways to build a good parent-child relationship. Let your children know that you enjoy being with them. Try not to exchange your presence with the presents. Spending time with your child is the most valuable present your child could ever get in his lifetime and one of the crucial positive parenting tips.
7. Help problem-solve: Teach your children how to find a solution to the problems. Do not provide a solution every time, be their partner in problem-solving. Listen to them patiently and understand the situation. Provide options and let them think of the consequences of each option. You can also share your experiences when you went through the same phase. Together you can reach the best solution. This will teach them an important life skill.
8. Praise your children: Praise your children for their behavior and achievements is one of the best positive parenting tips. It should be sincere and do not include criticisms. Instead of saying “good”, try to describe to your child what you like about his work. It will encourage them to repeat the things which you would like to see again. Praising a child develops self-confidence.
9. Pay attention to your child’s feelings: Your child must have gone through many things during a day, be it good or bad. Try to talk to them, listen to them and find out what is happening to your child. By paying attention to their feelings, you are telling them that someone is there to understand him and provide support during tough times.
10. Promote independence: Let your children explore the world. Don’t hold them too tightly or leave them free as if you don’t care. Let them make their decisions under your supervision. Guide them from distance for better child development. This will give them much freedom and provide security as well.
“It is never too late to start and follow the positive parenting tips.”
I'm a mommy of a 9-year-old girl! I am an ACS by profession and writer by passion. This passion for reading and writing drove me to express my thoughts and experience on parenting in the form of a blog. Do check my personal blog - Wonder Parenting!!!
Traveling is expensive for anyone, but when you have kids tagging along it can quickly double or triple. You’ll need to book more flights, rent more rooms and backpacking on a shoestring no longer applies.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways you can save money when planning a trip away with the family. Here are 10 tips that are sure to save you money on your next family getaway.
Make Use of Family Passes: No matter where you go, there is bound to be a point in your trip where you have to choose between purchasing individual tickets or buying a family pass. It’s worth doing the math, but it is almost always cheaper to take the family pass route. From theme parks to concerts and even group tours, this applies to all sorts of attractions and activities, Also, do your research before purchasing expensive tickets. Sometimes the family pass isn’t advertised everywhere you look. You may even find that a different promotional offer that isn’t just for families works out to be even cheaper. Make sure to do the math!
Avoid Major Tourist Traps: Every destination has its typical tourist activities. Whether it’s going to a cultural show in New Zealand or visiting Disneyland in California. It seems crazy to avoid these “must-do” activities, especially when every blogger out there highly recommends them! The truth is, you can experience a new destination a lot better by avoiding these activities. Try to immerse yourself into new cultures naturally without visiting shows that are put on for commercial purposes. On top of getting to know a destination more like a local, you’ll walk away with your wallet a bit heavier.
Find the Cheapest Flights: One of the biggest expenses of any trip is purchasing flights. This is even more true for families than solo travelers as you need to purchase extra tickets for your children. Plus you definitely need to bring checked luggage—you need to keep the toys somewhere and without them, you’ll have nothing to keep the kids entertained! There’s a number of ways to save money on flights, here are a few: Use the best search engines. My favorite is Skyscanner because it researches the cheapest days to fly, uses loyalty schemes and points-based credit cards, and makes the most of budget airlines
Spend on Experiences, Not on Gifts & Souvenirs: It’s far too easy to purchase souvenirs everywhere you go. Before you do, stop and ask yourself, “Do I really need this plastic keyring?” If you already have a keyring, the answer is probably no. If you’re on a budget, it pays to spend it wisely. I always recommend spending your money on creating memories yourself and your kids will remember and cherish for the rest of your lives.
Rent an Apartment Instead of Hotel Rooms: Hotel rooms are expensive so look for cheaper alternatives. A lot of people don’t realize that hostels often have private rooms and sometimes suites. I’ve stayed in a lot of very nice hostels (sometimes called “poshtels”). if you avoid the bottom of the barrel ones, then you can often find nice, family-friendly accommodation at a budget. Another great alternative is booking a small apartment or house for your family. Travel apps like AirBnb are perfect for this.
Consider Visiting Budget Destinations: Heading to Hawaii is always a treat, but there are equally beautiful places in cheaper regions around the world. In Southeast Asia, for example, accommodation can be found for a fraction of the price of a hotel room in a first-world country. Everything else tends to be cheaper as well, including eating out and booking tours.
Eat Out Less: Eating out can burn through your budget, especially when you have little ones to bring along. If you’re at a destination where dining out is expensive, consider paying a visit to a grocery store (or even a local market). You can pick up some local ingredients and cook up something delicious for a lot less than it would cost to go to a restaurant.
Book Well in Advance: When planning a holiday, it’s very rare for things to get cheaper the longer you wait. If you’ve made a decision to go, get planning and book as soon as possible. This is especially true when booking flights and accommodation. Waiting until a week out from the school holidays is going to make your trip significantly pricier. Try to book a year ahead.
Consider Alternative Transport Options: Make a spreadsheet and compare the prices, pros, and cons of every transport option. Perhaps taking the train instead of flying will save you 50 percent of the price of your flights. Maybe it’s cheaper to rent a car at the airport than taking taxis everywhere you want to go. There is never one right way to book transport, and it’s usually best to mix-and-match to find the cheapest option. Do bear in mind, that there is more to this decision than just price. A 14-hour bus ride might be significantly cheaper than flying, but keeping your kids still for 14 hours may be well and truly impossible.
Travel With Another Family: A great way to reduce travel expenses is to share them with other people (and no, your kids don’t count, unless they’re paying)! Find some friends or another family to tag along with you on your trip. You won’t be able to split the cost of airfares, but things like car rentals and accommodation can be shared to save money. On top of the cost-saving, you’ll have other adults there to give you the occasional break if there’s somewhere you really want to visit that your kids wouldn’t be interested in.
Hi, I'm Delilah. I'm a traveler, photographer and writer from Auckland, New Zealand. My favourite places in the world are Queenstown, Singapore and New Caledonia!
No matter how moms choose to feed their babies, fed is best. Hilary Duff’s Instagram post about her decision to stop feeding her six-month-old is an important reminder of that.
Duff, who welcomed her daughter Banks last October, took to Instagram to share her decision to stop breastfeeding and pumping. “My goal was to get my little girl to six months and then decide if I (and her of course) wanted to keep going,” Duff wrote. “Let me tell you. Pumping at work sucks. I had zero down time and am usually pumping in a hair and make up trailer while four hands work to get me ready for the next scene with lots of other people around. Even if I had the luxury to be in my own room, it’s not even considered a ‘break’ because you have to sit upright for the milk to flow into the bottles!”
Duff is certainly not alone in feeling pressure to maintain it all as a working mom. Trying to balance pumping and working, even when you’re a celebrity can be challenging. She explained, “Felt so lucky to be so close to her and give her that start. I know many women are not able to and for that I am sympathetic and very grateful that I could. For six wonderful months. But I needed a break. I was going to break. With the stress of a dropping milk supply and a baby that was getting bored or not caring about nursing when I was available to. I was sad and frustrated and feeling like a failure all of the time. When really I’m a bad ass rock star.”
Deciding how to feed your baby whether it’s breast or bottle or a mixture of both is ultimately a personal decision for every mom, but it can be easy to feel guilty over you’re choices or like you’re not measuring up to certain expectations, which is why Duff felt it was important to share her journey publicly.
“I wanted to share this because deciding to stop BFing was so emotional and hard. I thought about it ALL day everyday. It was a constant loop in my head. Weighing the pros and cons. And half of the time I wasn’t making any sense. It was about me, and not Banks at that point. I cried many times and felt so depressed while weening. I wasn’t myself at all,” she wrote. “I feel fine and happy and relieved and silly that I even stressed on it so hard. Banks is thriving and I get even more time with her and daddy gets to do more feeds! And mommy gets a tiny bit more sleep! Love you all and hope this helps anyone struggling!”
What if something out there had your kid begging you to turn off the TV or tablet, put away the video games, and listen to a story? It seems practically impossible in today’s media environment. Why would anyone (especially kids who’ve grown up with YouTube and Netflix) bother with screenless entertainment? But with podcasts, “no screens” becomes “no problem.” Podcasts made for—and even by—kids are popping up all over the place.
Many adults are already familiar with podcasts, thanks to popular but mature hits such as Serial and Radiolab. But thankfully, podcasters are starting to realize that kids love what they’re doing as much as grown-ups. Teachers are even using them in the classroom. With exciting stories, fascinating facts, and lively sound effects to grab kids’ interest, all you need for an entertaining family-listening experience are some headphones or a set of speakers. Check out these 20 awesome podcasts for kids — including perfect bedtime stories, science exploration, cool news, and more. Plus, find out the best way to get them and use them. (We took our best guess for the target ages but include them as a guide since some of the content can be mature.)
How to Listen
It can be daunting for a first-timer to enter the world of podcasts, but digital tools have made it easier than ever to start listening. Podcasts are available to stream online or with a “podcatcher,” an app you can download specifically for podcasts. Here are some popular options for listening:
Podcasts. The original podcast app (only available for Apple iOS)
Stitcher Radio for Podcasts. “Stitch” together custom podcast playlists with this mobile app
Pocket Casts. A mobile app with a sleek, easy-to-use interface
SoundCloud. An online audio-streaming platform for podcasts as well as music (also an app)
Podbay.fm. Streaming platform specifically for podcasts (app available for Android, but iOS coming soon)
Kids Listen. An online (but not mobile) app that only features kid-friendly podcasts
Once you have your favorite app or website, search its library by topic and start exploring everything from science to sports to movies and more. And don’t forget to subscribe! Subscribing lets the app push new episodes directly to your device as soon as they’re available, so you’ll always have the latest update at your fingertips.
Boost learning. With engaging hosts and compelling stories, podcasts can be great tools to teach kids about science, history, ethics, and more. Listening to stories helps kids build vocabulary, improve reading skills, and even become more empathetic.
Reduce screen time. With podcasts, families can enjoy the same level of engagement, entertainment, and education as screen-based activities without worrying about staring at a screen.
Go anywhere. Podcasts are completely portable. You can listen in the car, on the bus, or in a classroom or even while doing chores around the house.
Cost nothing. Podcasts don’t have subscription or download fees, so anyone with internet access can listen and download for free. Most podcatcher apps are free, too.
Get two thumbs up from kids! Podcasts are designed to hook kids with music, jokes, compelling stories, and more. Some are designed in a serial format with cliffhangers at the end to get kids to tune back in.
On the downside, podcasts:
Play lots of ads. Many podcasts run several minutes of ads at the beginning or end. Because they’re often read by the podcast host, the ads can feel like a hard sell.
Can be confusing. Many podcasts update regularly, so you can jump right in and start listening. Others are styled like radio or TV shows, so the most recent episode is actually the end of a season. Check whether something is serialized or long-form before listening to the most recent update.
Vary in age-appropriateness. The iTunes Store labels podcasts “Explicit” or “Clean,” but even a “Clean” label doesn’t guarantee kid-friendly content. When in doubt, listen first before sharing with your kids.
Luckily we’ve discovered some excellent kid-friendly podcasts that you and your family will love listening to. Here are 27 of our favorites:
For the Whole Family
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Dream Big Precocious 7-year-old Eva Karpman and her mom interview celebs, award winners, and experts in a range of fields each week, with a hope of encouraging young people to find their passion and follow their dreams. The relatable mother-daughter dynamic and the big-name guests make this a fun choice for kids and their parents to listen to together. Best for: Kids
Wow in the World One of the newest podcasts to hit the scene, NPR’s first show for kids is exactly the sort of engaging, well-produced content you would expect from the leaders in radio and audio series. Hosts Guy Roz and Mindy Thomas exude joy and curiosity while discussing the latest news in science and technology in a way that’s enjoyable for kids and informative for grown-ups. Best for: Kids
Book Club for Kids This excellent biweekly podcast features middle schoolers talking about a popular middle-grade or YA book as well as sharing their favorite book recommendations. Public radio figure Kitty Felde runs the discussion, and each episode includes a passage of that week’s book read by a celebrity guest. Best for: Tweens and teens
This American Life This popular NPR radio show is now also the most downloaded podcast in the country. It combines personal stories, journalism, and even stand-up comedy for an enthralling hour of content. Host Ira Glass does a masterful job of drawing in listeners and weaving together several “acts” or segments on a big, relatable theme. Teens can get easily hooked along with their parents, but keep in mind that many episodes have mature concepts and frequent swearing. Best for:Teens
Best Podcasts for Young Kids
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ChompersChompers is a bite-sized, twice-daily podcast meant to encourage kids to brush their teeth for the full dentist-recommended two minutes. Each morning and night, kids can enjoy short quizzes, fun facts, stories, riddles, and jokes, all with gentle reminders to get the front, back, and tops of their teeth. There are even morning cliffhangers to encourage you to come back for your nighttime brush.
Circle Round Circle Round is an engaging, gentle storytime podcast aimed at kids. In every episode, narrator Rebecca Sheir tells a lesser-known folktale or story from around the world, helped by a rotating voice cast of talented stage-and-screen actors. The stories are captivating and compelling and nearly always accompanied by a positive message or moral.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Rebels of all genders will be enthralled by this podcast, based on the best-selling book by the same name, with inspiring biographies of historical women read by inspiring modern women. These true stories are fascinating bits of history told simply enough that kids will be able to follow them. It's hard not to feel empowered after listening to a few episodes.
Highlights HangoutThe minds behind the kids' podcast Wow in the World have transformed the popular magazine Highlights into a high-energy audio series. Classic favorites from the magazine like "Goofus and Gallant," "Ask Arizona," and "Hidden Pictures" (or, in this case, "The Hidden Sounds Game") are reimagined as variety show segments, cheerfully guided along by hosts Tim and Juanita.
Little Stories for Tiny PeopleThe whimsical, soothing stories on this podcast are perfect for preschoolers, but "big people" will appreciate them, too. Host Rhea Pechter's melodic voice and the recurring cast of animal friends will delight young kids. And the clever, well-crafted stories touch on age-appropriate messages and topics.
Story PiratesNothing can really match a kid's original story in terms of absurd comedy. And that's what's at the heart of this wacky, wild, imaginative podcast. In each episode, the Story Pirates crew -- a group of talented improvisers pretending to be pirates -- read short stories written and submitted by kids, then reenact them with hilarious results. There are even original songs, famous guest stars, and interviews with the young authors about how it feels to have their work adapted.
This Podcast Has Fleas With a hilarious concept and a fantastic voice cast, This Podcast Has Fleas is a delight for all ages. The premise is that two family pets -- an exuberant dog named Waffles and a cool cat named Jones -- have dueling podcasts where they talk about what's going on in the house from their (obviously superior) perspectives. Dog people and cat people will be howling with laughter.
Peace Out Produced by the same people who do Story Time, this is a gentle podcast that encourages relaxation as well as mindfulness. Great for bedtime, but also any time of day when kids could use a calming activity, this podcast combines breathing exercises with whimsical visualizations for a truly peaceful experience. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids
Story Time These 10- to 15-minute stories are a perfect way to lull your little one to sleep. The podcast is updated every other week, and each episode contains a kid-friendly story, read by a soothing narrator. Short and sweet, it’s as comforting as listening to your favorite picture book read aloud. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids
What If World With wacky episode titles such as “What if Legos were alive?” and “What if sharks had legs?,” this series takes ridiculous “what if” questions submitted by young listeners and turns them into a new story every two weeks. Host Eric O’Keefe uses silly voices and crazy characters to capture the imaginations of young listeners with a Mad Libs-like randomness. Best for: Kids
Stories Podcast One of the first kids’ podcasts to grasp podcasts’ storytelling capabilities, this podcast is still going strong with kid-friendly renditions of classic stories, fairy tales, and original works. These longer stories with a vivid vocabulary are great for bigger kids past the age for picture books but who still love a good bedtime story. Best for:Big kids
Best Podcasts for Road Trips
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The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian This serialized podcast tells the story of an 8-year-old boy living on an interplanetary space station who explores the galaxy and solves mysteries with his friends. With no violence or edgy content and with two seasons totaling over 13 hours of content, this sci-fi adventure is perfect for long car rides. Best for: Kids and tweens
Eleanor Amplified Inspired by old-timey radio shows—complete with over-the-top sound effects — this exciting serial podcast follows a plucky journalist who goes on adventures looking for her big scoop. Tweens will love Eleanor’s wit and daring and might even pick up some great messages along the way. There’s even a “Road Trip Edition” episode with the entire first season in a single audio file. Best for: Tweens
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel This Peabody Award-winning scripted mystery series has been called a Stranger Things for tweens. With a voice cast of actual middle schoolers, a gripping, suspenseful plot, and interactive tie-ins, this story about an 11-year-old searching for his missing friends will keep tweens hooked to the speakers for hours—more than five, to be exact. Best for: Tweens
Welcome to Night Vale Structured like a community radio show for the fictional desert town of Night Vale, the mysterious is ordinary and vice versa in this delightfully eerie series. Both the clever concept and the smooth voice of narrator Cecil Baldwin have helped the show develop a cult-like following. It’s a bit creepy and dark for kids, but older listeners will find it perfect for a nighttime drive along a deserted highway. Best for: Teens
Best Podcasts for Science Lovers
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids Kids are always asking seemingly simple questions that have surprisingly complex answers, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “Who invented words?” This cute biweekly radio show/podcast takes on answering them. Each episode features several kid-submitted questions, usually on a single theme, and with the help of experts, it gives clear, interesting answers. Best for: Kids
Brains On Similar to But Why, this is another radio show/podcast that takes kid-submitted science questions and answers them with the help of experts. What makes this one different is it tends to skew a bit older, both in its questions and answers, and it has a different kid co-host each week. The result is a fun show that’s as silly as it is educational. Best for: Kids and tweens
Tumble Often compared to a kid-friendly Radiolab, this podcast not only addresses fascinating topics but also tries to foster a love of science itself by interviewing scientists about their process and discoveries. The hosts don’t assume that listeners have a science background — but even kids who think they don’t like science may change their minds after listening to this podcast. Best for:Kids and tweens
Stuff You Should Know From the people behind the award-winning website HowStuffWorks, this frequently updated podcast explains the ins and outs of everyday things from the major (“How Free Speech Works”) to the mundane (“How Itching Works”). Longer episodes and occasional adult topics such as alcohol, war, and politics make this a better choice for older listeners, but hosts Josh and Chuck keep things engaging and manage to make even complex topics relatable. And with nearly 1,000 episodes in its archive, you might never run out of new things to learn. Best for:Teens
Ear Snacks The catchy soundtrack is the star in this delightful podcast from children’s music duo Andrew & Polly (not surprising since the hosts have created songs for Wallykazam! and Sesame Studios). But this funny program also covers a range of topics by talking to actual kids as well as experts, providing thoughtful fun for young ones and their grown-ups. Best for: Preschoolers and little kids
The Past & the Curious Reminiscent of the TV show Drunk History (minus the alcohol), this amusing podcast features people telling interesting, little-known stories from history with an emphasis on fun and humor. Although it’s not specifically a music podcast, each episode contains an often-silly song that’s sure to get stuck in your head. There’s even a quiz segment, so kids will learn something, too. Best for: Kids
Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child Families can enjoy rock and roll without the downsides with this fun radio show/podcast. Each week there’s a new playlist combining kids’ music from artists such as They Might Be Giants, with kid-appropriate songs from artists that grown-ups will recognize, such as Elvis Costello, The Ramones, and John Legend. It’s a perfect compromise for parents tired of cheesy kids’ music. Best for: Kids
All Songs Considered This weekly podcast from NPR covers the latest and greatest in new music with a particular focus on emerging artists and indie musicians. It covers a wide range of genres and even includes artist interviews and live performances. Some songs contain adult themes and explicit language, but teens will love discovering a new favorite that you’ve probably never heard of. Best for:Teens
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in 1970 children didn’t start regularly watching TV until they were four years old. Today, they report that children begin interacting with digital media at four months old. One look around and it’s easy to see that many children have their own cell phone, tablet, television or other type of screen that is occupying a lot of their time and attention. The problem with this is with all that screen time there are numerous ways that research shows it may be harming kids.
From the smallest of toddlers who are glued to watching tablets and televisions, to teens who are using their devices almost constantly, it’s prompted concerns that every parent should be aware of.
“There is no denying that technology plays a major role in our lives today, but when it comes to our children we need to be aware of the challenges it can cause,” explains Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist and author. “Children’s cognition skills are still developing, so it’s imperative that we take that into account when it comes to their screen usage time.”
In the same report, the AAP reports that 75 percent of children ages 0-8 have access to a mobile device and that most one and two-year-olds are using a mobile device on a daily basis. This trend continues through every age group. The average 8 to 10 year old is spending around eight hours per day on various forms of media and older children are spending more than 11 hours per day. A Pew Research Center report shows that 24 percent of teens go online “almost constantly,” and 92 percent of them report using their mobile devices on a daily basis.
As many would suspect, all of this screen time coming from phones, tablets and televisions, raises some questions about how healthy it is. In a separate AAP statement, they report that the cognitive impact of the media depends on the child ages, the kind of programming or games they are playing and social context of viewing. They find that there are both negative and positive outcomes.
When it comes to adolescents, screen time can have a negative impact. The research shows that adolescents who spend more time on electronic communication and screens (such as social media, texting and gaming) and less time on non-screen activities have a lower psychological well-being. In addition, excessive media use has been associated with obesity, lack of sleep, aggression, sleep problems and other behavioral problems.
Most parents realize that children also engage in learning activities and even have homework assignments they need to use screens for. They are a part of life and a part of their learning experience, as well as their entertainment one. Rather than sheltering kids from social media and screens, parents should strive for teaching them healthier ways to use them and how to maintain a balance.
With screens here to stay, it’s important that parents take steps to help keep their child’s time spent on them in check. Here are some tips to do just that:
It’s recommended that children under the age of two not be exposed to screen time at all. For children over the age of two, it’s recommended that the screen time be kept to one to two hours per day at the most.
Discuss the screen time challenges with your children, especially when they are adolescents and teens, so they understand the concerns. Ask your child what are the pros and cons of unlimited or excessive use of devices. Devise a plan for using screens, which limits the amount of time they can be used each day. When children are involved with developing the plan, they are more likely to follow the rules they helped create.
Encourage kids to create a balance between screen time and non-screen time. It’s important that kids of all ages engage in physical and social activities that do not involve the usage of screens. Encourage them to have real-life relationships, rather than their friendships being all online or done through electronics.
Create rules that will help give them boundaries about when they can use their devices. For example, no devices at meals and no phones allowed in their bedrooms overnight.
Find non-screen activities that the whole family can engage in. This will help them create bonds and learn healthy social behaviors.
Use positive parenting techniques when working with kids to help teach them the limits of screen and social media time.
Be the example that you want them to follow. From young children to teens, they are watching what parents do when it comes to screen time. Parents who overuse screen time are setting that same example for their children. Having healthy screen habits will teach children to do the same.
Parents should be familiar with all the apps and devices their children use. They should have access to the social media apps as well. E.g, Instagram can be created and monitored from a parents account and note on social media pages that it is “parent monitored.” Also, become familiar with Internet safety, including setting parental controls and how to avoid giving too much personal information online.
“This is an issue that we can’t ignore and hope that it gets better,” added Patel. “We have to take the time to address it, no matter how old our kids are. The technology may be newer to us, but it’s always been a part of their lives, it will continue to be part of their everyday lives and they need to know how to use it in a healthy and constructive manner. They need parental guidance to get there.”
Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. For more than 20 years, Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness.
I know, I can’t believe it either. Your sweet and tiny baby is no longer quite so teeny tiny. She’s probably approaching toddlerhood and moving around like a mad woman. Gone are the days of putting the baby down and expecting her to remain there contentedly.
You might have always known that you wanted a second baby at some point, or you might have been on the fence after you had your first. But more and more frequently you’ve found yourself wondering: are we ready for another one?
It doesn’t help that from your baby’s first birthday onward you’ve probably been getting the question, “When’s the next one coming?” There’s no great answer. The lack of sleep combined with the whole scale change to your life during infancy, it may be something you feel like you’re never ready to tackle.
If you’ve been on the fence for a while and are debating having another, check out these tell-tale hints that you may be more ready than you think to take the plunge. Here are the top ten signs that you might be ready for another baby:
1. Everything seems SO tiny.
Was your little one ever really that little?
2. You can’t quite remember the last time your babe had that new baby smell.
I mean, she smells good, but that specific new baby scent seems to have disappeared overnight.
3. You’re in the midst of or have considered potty training.
Okay, when your kiddo pees all over the floor or poops her pants you’re probably not in the optimal frame of mind to be considering adding to your brood. However, if you’re close to potty training that means you’re almost out of diapers. Which meann…You could do it again.
4. Your firstborn carries around baby dolls and asks for a baby.
This is adorable and also maddening. As if you weren’t having a hard enough time deciding on whether or not to have another baby, you now have to worry about disappointing your current child.
5. You finally lost all the baby weight from the first go round.
I know, right? You finally hit that goal on the scale and now you might be willing to ruin it?! This is a good time because it signals your body is back in a pre-baby equilibrium. Getting pregnant when you still have 10 to 20 pounds to lose just makes it harder to get all off in the long run. Starting from neutral is a much better choice.
6. Sleeping through the night is no longer something that only happens to other people..
That first year I know it felt like you might never sleep again. And then, once it happened you were afraid for months it was going to go away. Once you’re solidly sleeping through the night again it’s SO hard to consider going back. But, it’s a reminder of how far you’ve come. And you now know that even with another kid, you will sleep again. Eventually.
7. Sitting down and actually eating as a family isn’t a foreign concept. You haven’t had to eat with a baby in one arm for months now.
If you’ve been having real family meals it means that your little is now sitting in his or her own chair and feeding herself. This is a huge win and means your arms are free to now feed another one if necessary. (Or you could just enjoy feeding yourself for awhile.)
8. Everyone in your kid’s class at daycare now has a baby sibling.
This is NOT to say that you should have a baby because everyone else did. It’s just that once your older child starts seeing everyone else with sisters and brothers, she’s inevitably going to ask where hers is. No one should peer pressure you into adding to your family, but once all your kid’s friends have siblings you can bet you’ll get the question.
9. You’re no longer breastfeeding.
It’s so hard to think about getting pregnant when you’re still nursing and your body isn’t fully your own. Once you’ve weaned and have had some time to get back to your former self, you may be a little more willing to get pregnant and share yourself again.
10. You’ve blacked out labor from the first time.
It’s true. No one would ever have another child if they didn’t black out labor. Even if you, in theory, remember your birth experience, almost everyone blacks out the pain at some point. If you remembered in every acute detail what it was like there would be no siblings.
Should you have another baby?
That’s not to say that EVERYONE wants a second baby. There are actually studies that prove mothers of one are happiest. Just because you have nostalgia about those baby coos doesn’t always mean you’re ready to add to your family. Definitely weigh the pros and cons for your family, your goals, and your personal situation before you commit to a decision.
No one can tell you when you’re actually ready for a second baby. It’s something only you and your family can truly know. However, if you’ve experienced enduring nostalgia or hit any of the milestones above, you might just be more ready than you think!
Carly is a mom, wife and brand marketer who is passionate about talking about the reality of motherhood. She blogs about parenting, awesome products and productivity at The Mamma's List. Her hope is that sharing tips and tricks will help other moms and make this parenting gig easier for all of us.
Planning an outdoor shindig for your birthday girl or boy has its pros and cons, and they both revolve around the weather. You could get a picture-perfect day (not too hot, not too cold, sunshine galore). Or, it could be raining cats and dogs. Don’t let a little drizzle fizzle kiddo’s fete. Check out these awesome alternative venues that welcome last minute reservations, are dirt cheap (or free), and are just as fun.
Adventure Park
It’s one of these places that specializes in birthdays, but they also have a large cafeteria area where you can BYOC (bring your own cake) and then let the party goers loose for some indoor fun. They offer a massive arcade, a climbing/ropes course area, laser tag, and even a separate play area for the under-five set. Added awesome: if the sun makes an appearance, there is a roller coaster (and a ton of other seriously fun outdoor activities) to partake in. Cost:Passes and food vary, but they offer all day ride passes
Play and Learn Playground Superstores
Technically these venues are for shopping, but for those with little ones who are free to book a party during the week, they can be a great oh-my-gosh-it’s-pouring-out way to salvage some play time on your child’s big day. You can’t do cake and gifts, but you can all get together and play and then head over to a nearby eatery to enjoy your party provisions together. The Columbia location has play hours Monday-Friday on a walk-in basis, but the Chantilly store requires reservations and is only open to play on Thursdays (so if the weather man gives you a heads up Wednesday night, you’re all set!). Cost:Free
The Playseum
You will have to pay $7 per child to get in, but with it your party people will get all day access to this world of kid-flavored fun. You can let everyone enjoy a bit of time exploring and then bring the group together in the “Come Eat with Me” area for snacks and cake. You can also enjoy cupcake decorating with your crew on site (for a small additional fee). Cost: $7
7000 Wisconsin Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
301-807-8028
545 8th St. SE (Eastern Market)
202-999-0510
Online: playseum.com
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
This place gets crazy busy on the weekends, but you can buy your entrance time in advance online and then have your party crew meet up for a couple of hours of jumping fun. Then when you’re done, hit the cafe area for slushies from their concession stand or dole out pieces of cake. Big kids even think this place is cool (the dodge ball and the b-ball dunking area is on the list of must-do’s for tweens). Only draw back, it’s not cheap. Cost: Tues. and Thurs. during toddler time, $5. Other times based on duration of visit
Central Park Fun Land
Central Park Fun Land offers tons of indoor attractions to keep your kids busy. They have over 100 arcade games, an indoor roller coaster, an indoor ferris wheel, laser tag, rock climbing, play areas and more. They can accommodate a planned party, but they also are happy to attempt to accommodate you and your group on a last minute basis. Depending on your party’s size, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, they may be the perfect back up plan. Cost: Varies depending on activities
The Mall Many area shopping centers have made space for indoor play areas to break up the monotony of shopping for the kids. Generally these areas are geared toward younger children so if you’re hosting a party for the preschool set and need a backup plan stat, a local mall play space may be the perfect solution. You can meet up for play and then head to the food court for snacks and cake. One of our local faves to try? The play area at Tyson’s Corner. You can let the little people run around a bit (for free) and then splurge on a train ride if you wish. Maryland peeps might want to try The Forest Play Area at Lakeforest Mall. It’s large and there is seating nearby for post play snack time. Cost: Free
Lake Forest
701 Russell Ave. (Gaithersburg, Md)
301-670-0599
Online: shoplakeforest.com
Kid Junction
This indoor, action packed play center offers daily open play sessions which means you can crash there with friends without calling ahead first. There is an admission fee for the littles, but adults hanging with them get in for free. And, you can buy snacks from their peanut free cafe for all of your guests. Cost: $6.95/kids under 2; $9.95/kids ages 2-9
4090 Lafayette Center Dr., Ste. E (Chantilly, Va)
703-222-5582
Online: kidjunction.com
Do you know of any cool back up venues for rained-out outdoor gatherings? Tell us in the comments section below.
Wading through fixed rate and adjustable mortgages, second mortgages, and lines of credit can be a scary thing. That’s why we’re so glad we’ve met the team at Salmon Bay Community Lending. All moms, this group is an independent brokerage with access to a national network of home-loan sources. They understand the pros and cons of each option available to home buyers. And they know how to make the whole process of funding your dream home, or your next fixer-upper, not only less scary, but totally painless.
“We’re different than other loan officers because we’re very committed to providing the best rates and the best service. We love to build communities, and really get to know our clients. We’re always available,” says Colleen Butler, one of the team. When she’s not busy making residential dreams come true, you can find Colleen at Baby Loves Disco, where she volunteers her time, in addition to being an active member of MomsRising.
Even if you don’t need a loan right now, take a look at Salmon Bay Community Lending’s Family Financial Series of lectures. Experts in their fields come in and speak monthly on topics like couples and money, college savings, and savings savvy kids. These ladies know how to feed the piggy bank a nice, healthy meal.
Salmon Bay Community Lending
1502 NW 52nd St. (Ballard)
206.789.8629 salmonbaylending.com
